Top Ten Most Anticipated Films of 2017

With a new year come new movies, and there are plenty to look forward to. I have decided to compile a list of the ten movies I am most excited to see this year and explain why. I am certainly anticipating more than just these ten films, but I have narrowed my list down to these select few, ranking them according to how disappointed I would be if the movie were to be cancelled tomorrow.

#10 The Mummy: One of my absolute favorite film franchises is the classic Universal Horror Monsters. Films like Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Dracula, The Invisible Man, and Son of Frankenstein hold up incredibly well. One of the staples of the series is The Mummy from 1932, which is a quiet, chilling movie. The amount of talent involved in this newest retelling has me intrigued to say the least, especially Russell Crowe's inclusion as Dr. Jekyll. I am not entirely sure how a shared Monsters Universe will work, but I am curious to see if they can pull it off. One thing that does have me worried though is the grand, epic scope and the bombastic action. I am not a fan of Brendan Frasier's era of Mummy films, mainly due to the large spectacle of it all. I hope this aspect works to the film's advantage.

#9 Kingsman: The Golden Circle: Kingsman: The Secret Service was an incredible comic book picture. The action was energetic, it featured great characters, and Matthew Vaughn's direction made the movie. We have yet to receive a trailer for this movie, but the poster that was released contains an interesting statement; "Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated." It is quite obvious what this means and I am extremely curious to see how this is executed. But my main reason for wanting to see this film is the fact that Matthew Vaughn is still in the director's chair. If he can do what he did for the last film, then we should be in for an exhilarating time.

#8 Kong: Skull Island: One of my favorite movies, and one of the best films ever made, is the original King Kong from 1933. I also really enjoyed Peter Jackson's take on the story in 2005. So when you slap Kong's name on a poster, you have my attention. This appears to be a very different interpretation of the legend, not following the story points laid down by the original, which could be refreshing notion. The cast involved is categorically impressive, and I am especially eager to see John C. Reilly's character in action. And of course, this film will set up one of the biggest movie fights coming our way; Godzilla vs. King Kong.

#7 Justice League: I have been a fan of the Justice League since I was a child. Putting some of my favorite superheroes on the big screen in an ensemble feature certainly excites me. But given all the production stories that have come out about the project and the drama surrounding Warner Bros., I am forced to temper my expectations. I am a fan of Man of Steel, but found Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad to be okay at best. Given this track record and coupling it with the problems we have been hearing about, I cannot place Justice League higher on this list. I have faith however, as I thought the trailer for the movie was the best one that premiered at Comic-Con last year. I sincerely hope that this will turn out to be a film of great quality.

#6 Alien Covenant: Another one of my favorite movies is the original Alien, along with Aliens. This newest installment continues the prequel continuity that began with Prometheus. Prometheus is a rather divisive film, but I thought it was very good. However, I am happy that the franchise is going back to its roots as a claustrophobic sci-fi horror series. The trailer communicated the perfect tone and atmosphere, while also providing a few good chills. Though I am worried that the trailer may have given a bit too much away, everything seems to be on the right track for this picture, and I cannot wait to see the Xenomorph command the screen and instill terror in the audience once more.

#5 Spider-Man: Homecoming: I believe it is no understatement to say that Spider-Man was portrayed perfectly throughout his limited screen time in last year's Captain America: Civil War. Tom Holland seems to be the right fit for the character and Sony and Marvel seem to have figured out how to best present the character to please audiences. My opinions on the previous films are as follows: I think Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 are excellent; Spider-Man 3 gets a lot of unnecessary hate and is not bad (though it is far from perfect); and The Amazing Spider-Man and its sequel did not appeal to me. But things are looking bright for the web-slinger. The trailers for the upcoming movie have emphasized the high school aspect of the story, with many drawing a connection to John Hughes' style of direction. The humor and action appear to be in full force and the inclusion of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark should present an interesting dynamic. But what has me most excited is the inclusion of Michael Keaton as the villainous Vulture. I am indescribably agog to see what Keaton can bring to the role.

#4 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: For a few years, Guardians of the Galaxy was my favorite film in the MCU lineup. This is no longer the case since the release of Civil War, but Guardians of the Galaxy remains as one of the strongest movies in the franchise. As such, I can barely contain my excitement for this sequel. The first film was such a fun and visually stunning experience. The trailers for this next movie have been nothing short of spectacular, particularly the first official trailer (not the teaser). The employment of "Fox on the Run" by Sweet matches the tone and the trailer perfectly, and now I cannot stop listening to the damn song. The characters seem to be better than ever, with numerous hilarious interactions sprinkled throughout the promotional material. And it looks like Baby Groot will steal the heart of anyone who watches. Kurt Russell is also set to appear as Peter Quill's father, thus helping to clarify some of the mystery surrounding the characters. I am dying to see this movie and it is the MCU project that I am looking forward to the most.

#3 War for the Planet of the Apes: Once again, I find myself talking about one of my favorite films. The original Planet of the Apes from 1968 has a secure spot in my top ten favorite movies of all time. This rebooted series has turned out two fantastic films. Rise of the Planet of the Apes reestablished the franchise wonderfully and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes managed to top its predecessor. Now comes the film that will determine the diegetic future. Apparently, this is the movie where Caesar becomes the legend that the apes will worship as the years go by. Another interesting thing to note is that the human child in the trailers is supposed to be Nova from the original picture. Though I am confused as to why they are introducing her so early in the timeline, I have faith that the filmmakers know what they are doing. So far, this rebooted series has been gritty and dramatic in all the right ways, and War for the Planet of the Apes seems like it might be taking this to a whole new level. Andy Serkis has been a revelation as Caesar, who is a magnificent character despite being CGI. In short, all the pieces seem perfectly placed and if the previous two films are anything to go by, this will be an epic conclusion to Caesar's story.

#2 Logan: I am a major fan of the X-Men film franchise, and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine is easily one of its greatest aspects. Logan will be his final time donning the claws, and it will also mark the last time we see Patrick Stewart portraying Professer Xavier. If this is to be their final outing, then this movie needs to be spectacular. Judging by the trailers, we are in for a hard-hitting drama that will affect us on multiple levels. This film is not being marketed as a superhero picture, instead focusing more on the characters and their coming to terms with reality. The first trailer for Logan, which featured Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt," is one of the greatest trailers I have ever seen. The music perfectly matched the visuals and evoked the tone superbly. And this newest trailer highlights X-23 and her capabilities awesomely. I am bursting with the anticipation to see where this story goes, as it looks like it could be a contender for the best superhero movie ever made.

#1 Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi: No surprise here; my most anticipated movie of 2017 is the next installment in the Star Wars saga. As a Star Wars junkie, how could it not be? The Force Awakens ended on one hell of cliffhanger, and hopefully Luke will be allowed to speak this time around. The last film left us with plenty of mysteries and questions that need answering. Having Rian Johnson at the helm indicates that this should be a darker film than The Force Awakens, which I am all for. The title is great too. It is cryptic and ambiguous, and it just sounds so damn cool. My mind is racing with all the possibilities of this movie, particularly what Luke will be doing and learning more about the Knights of Ren. Disney has proven that they know how to make good Star Wars films, so I am hoping that trend continues.

Top Ten Best Films of 2016

2016 was an interesting year for film, in that several of the big-budget spectacles came across as disappointments while the independent films really shone. There were a number of good surprises that came out of nowhere and quite a few of the most anticipated movies hit their mark. Before I begin, I should say that this list is based solely on my opinion as to what I think are the best films of the year. Also, I did not see every movie that was released. I saw a total of 60 pictures, and some of the ones I missed out on are Moonlight, Fences, Lion, and Hidden Figures, which are all getting a lot of praise now. With all that out of the way, let us begin with the honorable mentions.


Honorable Mentions:

#16 Sing Street: Normally, I only like having five honorable mentions. However, I had to make an exception for this picture because too many people missed out on it. Sing Street carries such a great message about art and desire and its unique charm will certainly find its way into your heart. And the music is a delightful highlight.

#15 The Magnificent Seven: In terms of pure entertainment value, this remake was one of the most fun and enjoyable times I had at the theatre this year. The updated style and technique gives this old story a new feel that fits very well. Though it falls short of matching its two predecessors, The Magnificent Seven fires on all cylinders in every respect.

#14 Zootopia: This animated feature is not only beautiful to look at, but also contains an engaging story that is matched with great comedy. The characters are likable and the message is appropriately told without getting too preachy. I would argue that Zootopia is one of Disney's best movies of the past few years.

#13 Hell or High Water: A modern western and hard-hitting drama, this film takes a quaint approach to a strong story. The majority of the film's strengths come from its characters, especially the conversations they hold with one another. Lacking an abundance of major action set-pieces, Hell or High Water is an emotionally potent picture where the script is the real star.

#12 Sully: It really hurts me not to be able to put this movie in the top ten, but that does not detract from its greatness. Clocking in at about an hour-and-a-half, this biopic tells the remarkable story of the miraculous plane landing on the Hudson River. Clint Eastwood's direction is stunning, Tom Hanks turns out a good performance, and the third act is especially exceptional.

#11 Manchester by the Sea: I would not classify this as a depressing picture, but definitely a heavy one. Casey Affleck's stirring performance defines this movie incredibly well. Shot like a foreign film, Manchester by the Sea is an affecting drama that will seep into your mind and remain there for a good while.


The Top Ten Best Movies of 2016:

#10 Kubo and the Two Strings: Quite easily the best animated film I saw this year (though I missed out on critical hits like The Boy and the Beast and Your Name), Kubo and the Two Strings excels in the storytelling department. The characters are very well developed, as is the world that surrounds them. The mythology is intriguing and the animation is staggeringly impressive. This picture also refuses to pull emotional punches, resulting in a beautiful feature, both visually and narratively.

#9 Arrival: This film harkens back to the science fiction films of the 1960s, which were often more concerned with playing with the viewer's mind than massive explosions (as fun as they can be). The suspense and interest is generated from wanting to learn more about the aliens' language and how we can possibly communicate with them. This is a thought provoking film that will change the way you see things, and the conclusion is one of the best endings to a movie I have ever witnessed. Amy Adams does a phenomenal job, as does the director, Denis Villeneuve, who seems to have a bright future ahead of him.

#8 Deadpool: When it comes to raw entertainment and enjoyment, look no further than this flick. Deadpool not only works as a superhero movie, but also as a comedy, a drama, and a romance. It hits all these marks with tremendous accuracy, all while being a unique film in its own right. The humor never gets old and the action and direction are marvelous. The script is so well realized and Ryan Reynolds was born to play Wade Wilson. Deadpool is one of the funniest movies I have seen, one of the best comic book/superhero movies, and just an overall delight.

#7 Café Society: Woody Allen's latest film is an elegant motion picture that wonderfully depicts the high life of Los Angeles and New York with surprising grace. The star-studded cast is impeccable and the story is endearing. The romance that develops between the two main characters is magnetic and the look, feel, and atmosphere of the movie is magically brought to life. There is a great bit of humor that mixes well with the drama. "Anyone who is anyone should see Café Society."

#6 Captain America: Civil War: There was so much pressure riding on this movie given its insanely huge build-up. However, it delivered in a more spectacular way than I ever could have imagined. This is a culmination of all the previous movies, which is what makes the experience all the more rewarding. The story is thoroughly gripping, the action is beyond satisfying, and the characters are all well represented, with numerous effective emotional beats taking place in the picture. This was a great start to Marvel's Phase 3 and is certainly in the talks of being one of the best comic book/superhero films ever produced.

#5 The Jungle Book: After having walked out of the theatre from this film, had you told me that I would eventually find four movies that I thought were better than this one, I would have deemed you insane. But as it turns out, that is exactly what happened. This reinterpretation is far superior to any of the versions that preceded it. I originally credited The Jungle Book with having the best visual effects I had ever seen, and I still stand by that statement. To be able to create such a vivid and lush environment and maintain it for a two hour running time is unbelievable. The voice cast is also nothing to scoff at, with several powerhouse actors giving perfect performances. The revisions made to the cinematic story propel it far beyond the Disney animation. The Jungle Book was such a wonderful experience and is absolutely the definitive version of the story on film.

#4 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: I will get this out of the way now; Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is my favorite movie of the year. As a Star Wars junkie, this struck all the right chords with me. As of this moment, I have seen the picture four times and it has improved with each viewing. The way it fits into the universe is seamless and I have grown to love all the new characters. The third act alone warrants a watch as it truly lives up to the titular war aspect in fantastic fashion. This movie is better than I could have ever hoped it to be and I like it even more than The Force Awakens, which I loved. I hold these new Star Wars movies to the standards of the original trilogy, and watching Rogue One will enhance your understanding of and improve your experience with the classics.

#3 Hacksaw Ridge: As much as I love Rogue One, I cannot deem it the best war film of 2016. That honor goes to Hacksaw Ridge, which tells the fascinating true story of a soldier who refused to use a gun during the war. The performances all around are magnificent, with Andrew Garfield, Hugo Weaving, and Vince Vaughn giving career-bests. I believe Mel Gibson's direction of this picture is the best directing effort I have seen all year. The way he shot the battles in such a visceral and primal way is brilliant. There is no word in the English language that can properly describe the emotions you feel as you watch Desmond Doss rescue countless soldiers simply because it is the right thing to do. Hacksaw Ridge receives my highest recommendation.

#2 La La Land: "They don't make 'em like they used to." That phrase is certainly true if this film is anything to go by. By going to extreme lengths to recreate the technique and style of the musicals of old, Damien Chazelle has crafted a masterpiece of music, passion, and love. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone star in this spellbinding musical, both giving great performances that will captivate you. The romance is completely engrossing and the message about being passionate for your art is touching. The music is lovely, the cinematography is inspired, and the story is relatable. La La Land reminds us why the musical genre is so integral to our culture; it makes us happy.

#1 The Nice Guys: Coincidentally, the phrase "They don't make 'em like they used to" also applies here. Not only do I think The Nice Guys is the best movie of the year, but also one of the most under-appreciated. Not enough people saw this film, and what a shame that is. Though Deadpool was the funniest film of the year, The Nice Guys is a solid second. The buddy-cop aspect has not been this successful since, perhaps, the 80s. The pairing of Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe seems odd, but it works so well. The young Angourie Rice is very impressive also. The mystery is very intriguing and the 1970s atmosphere gives the picture a special, added flavor. The witty humor, absorbing plot, and sporadic action blend together gloriously, resulting in a hilarious yet suspenseful thrill ride that more people should have experienced. The Nice Guys is my pick for the best film of 2016.

Top Ten Best Films of 2015

2015 was quite a year for the film industry, with plenty of box office surprises, in addition to records being outright shattered. We saw the return of several beloved, classic franchises as well as some great original films. There was also a fair share of source based films and movies based on true stories. Though it is hard to follow up such a tremendous year as 2014 was, 2015 was a decent year for the film industry, and here I will list my picks for the ten best films of this past year. Now of course, this list is entirely subjective and based on my opinion, and I am in no way saying that these are definitively the best films of the year. Also keep in mind that I have not seen every film this year, as I missed out on some critically acclaimed pictures such as Steve Jobs, Bridge of Spies, Room, Sicario, and Brooklyn. With all that out of the way, let us begin with some honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions:

Bone Tomahawk: How often do genre blends work? Very rarely I would say, and a horror western seems quite odd, if interesting. Luckily, Bone Tomahawk succeeds in what it strives to accomplish. This eerie and slow burning film nailed the tone and atmosphere, gave us a compelling story, and filled it with fascinating characters, led by Kurt Russell. As someone who loves westerns, but is not so much a fan of horror, I was very pleased with the results of this film.

The Gift: This film caught everyone by surprise. Joel Edgerton as the writer and director while also starring in the film? How could this work? Well...it did, very well actually. The Gift is a film that will have you gripping your armrest throughout its entire runtime. This is a chilling thriller with great performances and an amazing ending sequence. Oddly enough, this is also an emotionally moving film with a very good payoff. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and look forward to what Edgerton does next.

Inside Out: This year, we received a number of good animated films. Without question, my favorite was The Peanuts Movie, as I had a great time revisiting childhood. However, I do feel that Inside Out was the better film. Inside Out dealt with several heavy themes that many would deem too mature for children. But the way it executes these themes is masterful, depicting depression and sadness in a light that is not often shone on the topic. The voice cast was outstanding, there are plenty of great laughs, and this stands as one of Pixar's finer achievements.

Kingsman: The Secret Service: Of all the spy films we got this year (and we got plenty), I believe Kingsman was the best of the lot. This film was a blast from start to finish, with fantastic action beats and terrific comedy. The entire cast did a great job and the direction by Matthew Vaughn is stellar. A quickly engaging film and a fun watch, Kingsman might just be the next big franchise and I cannot wait for the sequel.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation: Rogue Nation is simply an awesome spy-action-thriller. The only reason I put Kingsman above it as the better spy film is because the story in Kingsman is slightly more cohesive, but that is not to detract from this film's greatness. Tom Cruise has become a legend in action films, always one-upping his stunt work with each movie. This film has a great scope, tons of well-shot action, and an engaging premise. Though I still feel Ghost Protocol is the best in the franchise, this is a worthy follow-up.

Top Ten Best Films of 2015:

#10: The Big Short: As I said in my review, this was probably the film that affected me most this past year as I walked out of the theatre feeling as nervous as the characters in the film did. This all-star cast worked brilliantly in the film but it is the editing and directing choices that really elevate this film. The quick cuts and frenetic pacing give this film an identity all its own. Given the subject matter, this could have been an "Oscar bait" and conventionally filmed feature. But it tells the story of the collapse of the housing market in such a creative way that you cannot help but admire it. Perhaps not for everyone, but I feel this was one of the most unique entries of the year.

#9: Avengers: Age of Ultron: When the first Avengers film came out in 2012, many were awestruck at what they had witnessed. All of these heroes were together on the big screen for the first time. So why did the sequel not get as much praise? Simple; the novelty has kind of worn off. As a result, the film did not meet audience's extremely high expectations. And if you are one of those people, I implore you to give this film another shot and watch it for what it is; a sequel. I believe Age of Ultron is Marvel's best film to date. It improves on its predecessor in just about every way. It has a much bigger scope, a better villain, better action, plenty of powerful character moments, and a surprising amount of heft. It is easy to dismiss the comic book genre as dumb entertainment, but if you really analyze some of these films, you realize that they are much deeper than they are given credit for. Age of Ultron is one of the best comic films ever made, providing a great amount of fun while also juggling multiple deeper meanings for a superficially "simple" genre.

#8: Mr Holmes: Nobody saw this movie. Why did nobody see this movie? Mr. Holmes is a masterful character study of one of literature's most prominent characters. Ian McKellen gave one of the year's strongest performances as the legendary character Sherlock Holmes and yet no one seems to have seen this picture. The film depicts an aging Holmes (in his 90s) as he recounts the mystery that forced him into retirement...the one he could not solve. As a massive fan of the character in any media, be it literature, film, television, or even radio shows from the 1940s, this delivered for me in every way possible. This is a slow and, often, a depressing film, but the emotion is present throughout and it offers a different take on the character, one we have not seen yet. The direction is solid, the story engaging, and McKellen gives one of his best performances. Mr. Holmes is, in my opinion, the most underrated film of 2015.

#7: The Revenant: Birdman was my pick for best picture last year, and it has even managed to crack my top ten favorite films of all time. I loved everything Innaritu did with that film, so when I heard that he was making another feature, I was excited. The Revenant is a grand, grueling, and gorgeous feature. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy are at peak form and though there is a significant lack of dialogue in the film, it is incredibly gripping all the same. Emmanuel Lubezki is the true star of the film however. His cinematography was breathtaking, implementing long takes, powerful pans, tricky tracking shots, and numerous examples of the "impossible camera" (camera shots where I have no idea how they filmed it). Using all natural light could not have been easy either, or filming everything on location, but the cast and crew's determination definitely pulled through. The Revenant is a revenge tale but one that also features spectacular filmmaking. Innaritu has done it again.

#6: The Hateful Eight: Quentin Tarantino has such a distinctive style when it comes to making films. You can easily tell which films are his as they are like nothing else in any genre. With The Hateful Eight, Tarantino returns to the western setting to give us a mystery. Seems odd but what we get is a nail-biting, brutal, western-thriller that is unlike any other western out there. The film will make you laugh, it will disgust you, it will enthrall you, and I think this is one of Tarantino's best works. The entire cast gives memorable performances, each giving a deliciously sinister spin on their character. The dialogue is, in typical Tarantino fashion, one of a kind. The cinematography is also gorgeous. The feature was shot in 70mm film and the movie benefits from this, giving it a very classic air. Ennio Morricone delivers another incredible western score that is haunting, quirky, and catchy, making it the best soundtrack of the year. The Hateful Eight is currently my second favorite Tarantino film, right behind Inglorious Basterds, and I highly recommend it to those who can handle crude humor and lots and lots of blood.

#5: Spotlight: Spotlight is a very important film, as it shows us that great performances are not defined by who can explode or yell the loudest, and also because it delivers a solid story that depicts both sides of the issue. This film is incredibly investing, with a story that is absolutely riveting and extremely engaging. This ensemble cast works magnificently together, all of them giving subdued and grounded yet real performances. Tom McCarthy's direction is top tier as he proves he has a firm grasp of the screenplay he co-wrote as well as how to work with powerhouse actors. Spotlight tells an important story, that of the Boston Church scandal and it tells it appropriately. This is a picture that might change you once the credits begin to roll. The less I say about it, the better. A heavily affecting film, I cannot recommend it enough.

#4: The Martian: Ridley Scott returns to the big screen with his best film in years. The Martian is a wonderful film, an absolutely beautiful, enthralling picture. This is yet another example of an ensemble cast that does a tremendous job, but I would be remiss if I did not mention Matt Damon's stellar performance. Damon owns this film and his character is so likable, funny, and optimistic. That last one is especially important for a story like this. This could have been a dark and depressing tale of loneliness and hopelessness. Instead, we have a much more lighthearted take on a terrible situation. Damon's character is always looking for a solution and his upbeat attitude wins the audience over within the first five minutes. Scott demonstrates that he is still a solid director and that he has some talent left in him yet. The Martian is a movie that everyone should see. It inspires hope, optimism, and is a true delight.

#3: Creed: To me, Creed was the most emotional cinematic experience I went through this year. I felt for all of the characters because they are so well realized. Michael B. Jordan is a superstar in this movie, and his interactions with Sylvester Stallone are worth the price of admission. Speaking of which, Sylvester Stallone crushes it in this film. Rocky is a character he created and has seen evolve and inspire others for nearly 40 years, and his performance shows that he has a deep understanding of what the character represents and what he means to others. The story is a clever excuse to have another Rocky movie, but it is more than that. I feel that Creed is the best picture in the franchise. The fighting is ridiculously riveting and you will have to restrain yourself from getting up out of your seat and cheering for the characters you love so much. This movie hits hard and captures what made the original Rocky so beloved and long-lasting.

#2: Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens: Speaking of franchises that started in the 70s and got a sequel this year, The Force Awakens is my runner up for best picture of the year. For many years, people thought Star Wars was dead, that there was no way to recover from the prequels. The Force Awakens proved us wrong by giving us a Star Wars film that focused more on the story and the characters than the spectacle. We were given lovable heroes, a fleshed out villain, great humor, exciting action sequences, a well-thought-out script, intelligent camerawork, the list goes on. All of this culminated in recapturing the Star Wars magic and former glory. This is easily J.J. Abram's best outing as a director. His love for the universe is felt throughout the film and the attention to detail cannot be understated. Is it a perfect film? No, but I would rank it up there with the original trilogy, as I honestly believe this is a brilliantly made picture. The Force Awakens is, without a doubt, my favorite film of 2015. However, I do not believe it was the best film of 2015. That honor goes to another.

#1: Mad Max: Fury Road: What can I say about this film that has not already been said? Fury Road is not only the best movie of the Mad Max franchise (which coincidentally also started in the 70s) but is also one of the best action movies ever made. The way the action was helmed was masterfully done by George Miller. The use of eye trace to create order amidst the chaos is like nothing else I have ever seen. Despite how it may seem, Fury Road is also an important film in its own right. We have a female co-lead that has received universal acclaim thanks to Charlize Theron's magnificent performance, which is not common for the genre. We have a film that showcases editing and cinematography at its best, being able to communicate a clear image amidst all the cars, and explosions, and sand, etc.. We have a film that truly takes advantage of the visual medium. You could watch the entire film on mute and still understand everything that is happening. This is a visual tale and a silent film at its base. Some of the few criticisms include the film having too simple of a plot. It is true, Fury Road is simple on plot but it makes up for that by being heavy on story. Every character has their own history, as do the settings. By looking at the backgrounds and even the cars, you learn a lot about this post-apocalyptic future. The simple plot makes it easy to jump into, but the stories that populate the film are what make it so investing. I could go on and on about how Fury Road is a masterpiece, but I would rather you watch the film yourself and find out. Mad Max: Fury Road is my pick for the best picture of 2015.